Device for bracing a driving machine with respect to a shaft or tunnel wall

ABSTRACT

A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine with respect to the shaft or tunnel which is being formed includes a central drive machine shaft around which is mounted a carrier sleeve with a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a bracing claw or engaging plate which is universally pivotally mounted on a spherical socket of a radially extending support guide or cylindrical member. A plurality of holding springs engaged around the periphery of the plate are anchored at their opposite ends to the support guide and tend to urge the plate into a central position in respect to its universal centrally arranged socket support. Each support member carrying the supporting socket for the plate may be shifted radially outwardly in respect to the associated support by means of a fluid piston and cylinder combination.

United States Patent Inventors Gerd Kampf-Emden Hosel; Heinz Horst, Rheinhausen; Friedrich Wilhelm Klapdohr, Rheinhausen, all of Germany Appl. No. 873,006

Filed Oct. 31, 1969 Patented Oct. 19, 1971 Assignee Demag Aktiengesellschal't Duisburg, Germany Priority Nov. 9, 1968 Germany P 18 07 970.4

DEVICE FOR BRACING A DRIVING MACHINE WITH RESPECT TO A SHAFT 0R TUNNEL WALL 8 Claims, 3 Drawing Figs.

us. c1 299/1, 175/94, 299/31 1m. (:1 ..E2lc 29/02, E01 g 3/04 Field of Search 299/1, 31; 175/94 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,203,737 8/1965 Robbins et al. 299/31 FOREIGN PATENTS 889,943 6/1958 Great Britain 299/31 Primary Examiner-Emest R. Purser At10rneyMcGlew and Toren ABSTRACT: A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine with respect to the shaft or tunnel which is being formed includes a central drive machine shaft around which is mounted a carrier sleeve with a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced support assemblies. Each support assembly includes a bracing claw or engaging plate which is universally pivotally mounted on a spherical socket of a radially extending support guide or cylindrical member. A plurality of holding springs engaged around the periphery of the p'ate are anchored at their opposite ends to the support guide and tend to urge the plate into a central position in respect to its universal centrally arranged socket support. Each support member carrying the supporting socket for the plate may be shifted radially outwardly in respect to the associated support by means of a fluid piston and cylinder combination.

PAIENIEllnm 19 um 3.614.160

Heinz HORST Friedrich KLAPDOHR Gei KAMPF-EMDEN I their ATTORNEYS DEVICE FOR BRACING A DRIVING MACHINE WITH RESPECT TO A SHAFT OR TUNNEL WALL SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to tunnel-driving devices and in particular to a new and useful device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine with respect to a shaft or tunnel wall.

The best way of achieving an exact centering of the supporting shaft of a tunnel-driving machine is to employ a plurality of radially extending bracing members which engage outwardly against the tunnel wall. The bracing elements are arranged so that the bracing forces pass through the central axis of the machine. This prevents the appearance of transverse forces which would cause a displacement of the central axis of the machine from the theoretical axis.

The problem of bracing a tunnel-driving machine so that it will be safe and have an optimum bearing against the tunnel wall cannot be solved with the known means in rock formations of any kind. With uneven tunnel walls, for example, steps are formed during the drilling; or, in brittle zones, where holes can be expected or in irregular hard zones provided with loam inclusions. Therefore, it is advisable to provide claws or engaging members that can move in all directions.

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a bracing device which includes a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced engaging assemblies and which includes an engaging member or plate at the outer end which is free for tilting and absorption of transverse forces. The construction is such that a safe and optimum bearing is ensured even in brittle rock. This is achieved in accordance with the invention by providing each radially extending support assembly with a hemispherical socket joint having a joint center arranged on or outside of the tunnel wall. The support assembly moves radially outwardly in respect to a cylindrical bracing member under the control of one or more power drives in the form of piston and cylinder combinations. The support member comprises a radially extending supporting bolt or guide which is connected rigidly to an annular member carried on the machine carrier shaft. An outer slide sleeve which is movable thereon carries the socket of the universal joint for the support plate which bears against the tunnel wall. The machine can, of course, comprise a sleeve member which is anchored to the machine and a radially movable support bolt slidable in the sleeve.

In order to keep a ball head formation on the bearing plate member constantly bearing, on its associated mounting socket of the pivot joint a plurality of spring elements are arranged to engage this member and urge it into such engagement. The power drives, which are connected to the support member, permit sufficient bracing even in brittle rock and there are advantageously a plurality of such power drives in the form of piston and cylinder units connected around the periphery of the supporting guide so that the bearing plate may be urged into proper engagement with the tunnel wall. The construction is such that the supporting elements always move away from the rock or out of the rock in the event of a tilting movement and no transverse forces are formed which must be absorbed by the guide support of themachine.

Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved device for supporting a central shaft member of a tunnel-boring machine which includes a plurality of radially extending and circumferentially spaced support assemblies, each assembly including a universally supported pivotal plate which is adapted to bear against the tunnel wall and at least one driving machine for moving the assembly out to engage the plate at the tunnel wall.

A further object of the invention is to provide a bracing device particularly for tunnel-boring machines which includes a bracing assembly comprising a member which is movable relative to a fixed member which is adapted to be secured to the machine to be supported and a support plate carried by the movable member on a universal or socket joint and which is urged into an engaged position on its associated joint by spring means.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine which is simple in design, rugged in construction and economical to manufacture.

The various features of noveltywhich characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawing and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a tunnel indicating a bracing device for the tunnel-boring machine constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 is a section taken on the lines 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a supporting plate element indicating the location of the pivot axis thereof in respect to the tunnel wall.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to the drawings in particular the invention embodied therein comprises a device for supporting a centrally arranged shaft 20 of a tunnel-driving machine around which is positioned a carrier sleeve or annular member 1 of a bracing assembly generally designated 22, which is constructed in accordance with the invention.

In accordance with the invention the bracing assembly 22 includes a plurality of radially extending supporting members 2, which in the embodiment illustrated comprises cylindrical bolts. In the embodiment illustrated the bolts 2 are arranged in diametrically opposite pairs at equally spaced circumferential locations on the sleeve 1. Around each supporting bolt is arranged a pressure sleeve 3 which slides in respect to its associated bolt 2. Each sleeve 3 is moved outwardly and inwardly in respect to its associated bolt 2 by means of a plurality of power drives in the form of piston and cylinder units 4 which are arranged at four equally spaced locations around the periphery of the sleeve 3. Each piston and cylinder unit 4 includes a slide piston 40 which moves in an associated cylinder 4b and bears against the machine carrier sleeve 1. When the pistons 4a are extended the sleeves 3 are moved away from the associated carrier sleeve 1.

In accordance with the feature of the invention each sleeve 3 is provided with an end face which carries a universal joint in the fonn of a partially spherical socket 7 which pivotally receives a ball head 6 formed at the underside of a bracing plate or claw 5. A plurality of tension springs 8 which are anchored around the periphery of the claw 5 and secured at their opposite ends to the inner end of the sleeves 3 provide means for centering and urging the claw 5 to engage in the socket 7.

If large breakouts occur in the tunnel wall, the safety tilting angle of the bracing claws 5 can be exceeded. In order to prevent this a safety switch 26 is provided on a pressure sleeve 3 which cooperates with the ball head 6 and stops the supply of a pressure medium to the piston cylinder units 4 when the safety tilting angle is exceeded. This indicates that underpinning is necessary.

In order to achieve an optimum bearing of the bracing claws 5 on the tunnel wall 24 the joint center 26 is located outside of the tunnel wall as shown on FIG. 3. With such an arrangement of the joint center the bracing claws 5 always move away from the working point in the event of any tilting movements so that there is no transverse force which wouldappear at the working shaft 20. If the joint center 26 were arranged inside the tunnel wall the bracing claw 5 would always move toward the working point in a tilting movement so that uncontrolled pivotable transverse forces would act on a pressure sleeve and the supporting balls 2 and this could lead to damage of the bracing device.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine, comprising a tunnel-driving machine carrier sleeve adapted to be positioned around a centrally arranged tunnel-driving machine shaft, a plurality of tunnel wall support assemblies extending substantially radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at circumferentially spaced locations therearound, each said support assembly including a fixed member and a movable member displaceable outwardly and inwardly in respect to said fixed member to engage and disengage the tunnel wall, said movable member having an outer face with a concave receiving surface, a tunnel wall engaging member having an outer surface adapted to bear against the tunnel wall and having an inner surface with a convex engagement face being universally pivotally supported on said concave receiving surface of said movable member, the pivotal axis of said engaging member being outwardly of said member, and power drive means connected to said movable member for shifting said movable member inwardly and outwardly in respect to said fixed member.

2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said fixed member comprises a sleeve rigidly connected to said machine carrier sleeve, said movable member comprising a cylindrical bolt member slidable in said sleeve and having a joint socket at its outer end for pivotably supporting said tunnel wall engaging member.

3. A device according to claim I, including spring means engaged with said tunnel wall member around its periphery and acting radially inwardly toward said machine carrier sleeve for urging said tunnel wall engaging member into seating engagement on said movable member.

4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said power drive means includes a plurality of piston and cylinder units connected around the periphery of said tunnel wall engaging member and acting against said machine carrier sleeve, said piston and cylinder units being individually driven.

5. A device according to claim 4, including switch means connected to said piston and cylinder units for disconnecting said units from fluid pressure at a predetermined position of said tunnel wall engaging member.

6. A device according to claim 1, wherein are at least four equally spaced supporting assemblies extending radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at equally spaced circumferential locations, said power drive means comprising a plurality of individually operable piston and cylinder units connected between said movable member of said machine carrier sleeve, and a plurality of biasing springs connected between said tunnel wall engaging member and said movable member for urging said tunnel wall engaging member into uniform seating engagement on said movable member.

7. A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine, comprising a tunnel-driving machine carrier sleeve adapted to be positioned around a centrally arranged tunnel-driving machine shaft, a plurality of tunnel wall support assemblies extending substantially radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at circumferentially spaced locations therearound, each said support assembly including a fixed member and a movable member displaceable outwardly and inwardly in respect to said fixed member to engage and disengage the tunnel wall, a tunnel wall engaging member having an outer surface adapted to bear against the tunnel wall and being universally pivotally supported on said movable member, power drive means connected to said movable member for shifting said movable member inwardly and outwardly in respect to said fixed member, at least four equally spaced supporting assemblies extending radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at equally spaced circumferential locations, said power drive means comprising a plurality of individually operable piston and cylinder units connected between said movable member of said machine carrier sleeve, and a plurality of biasing springs connected between said tunnel wall engaging member and said movable member for urging said tunnel wall engaging member into uniform seating engagement on said movable member, said tunnel wall engaging member comprising a plate having an inner surface with a ball-shaped member thereon, said movable member having a ball soc et in which said ballshaped portion of said plate is pivotally engaged.

8. A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine, comprising a tunnel-driving machine carrier sleeve adapted to be positioned around a centrally arranged tunnel-driving machine shaft, at least one tunnel support assembly extending substantially radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve and comprising a supporting bolt rigidly connected to said machine carrier sleeve, a pressure sleeve mounted around said bolt and being displaceable inwardly and outwardly in respect to said bolt, said pressure sleeve having an outer face with a concave receiving surface, a tunnel wall engaging member having an outer surface adapted to bear against the tunnel wall and having an inner surface with a convex engagement face universally pivotally supported on said convex receiving surface of said movable member, the pivotal axis of said engaging member being located outwardly of said member on said tunnel wall, and power drive means connected to said pressure sleeve for shifting said pressure sleeve inwardly and outwardly in respect to said bolt. 

1. A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine, comprising a tunnel-driving machine carrier sleeve adapted to be positioned around a centrally arranged tunnel-driving machine shaft, a plurality of tunnel wall support assemblies extending substantially radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at circumferentially spaced locations therearound, each said support assembly including a fixed member and a movable member displaceable outwardly and inwardly in respect to said fixed member to engage and disengage the tunnel wall, said movable member having an outer face with a concave receiving surface, a tunnel wall engaging member having an outer surface adapted to bear against the tunnel wall and having an inner surface with a convex engagement face being universally pivotally supported on said concave receiving surface of said movable member, the pivotal axis of said engaging member being outwardly of said member, and power drive means connected to said movable member for shifting said movable member inwardly and outwardly in respect to said fixed member.
 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said fixed member comprises a sleeve rigidly connected to said machine carrier sleeve, said movable member comprising a cylindrical bolt member slidable in said sleeve and having a joint socket at its outer end for pivotably supporting said tunnel wall engaging member.
 3. A device according to claim 1, including spring means engaged with said tunnel wall member around its periphery and acting radially inwardly toward said machine carrier sleeve for urging said tunnel wall engaging member into seating engagement on said movable member.
 4. A device according to claim 1, wherein said power drive means includes a plurality of piston and cylinder units connected around the periphery of said tunnel wall engaging member and acting against said machine carrier sleeve, said piston and cylinder units being individually driven.
 5. A device according to claim 4, including switch means connected to said piston and cylinder units for disconnecting said units from fluid pressure at a predetermined position of said tunnel wall engaging member.
 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein are at least four equally spaced supporting assemblies extending radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at equally spaced circumferential locations, said power drive means coMprising a plurality of individually operable piston and cylinder units connected between said movable member of said machine carrier sleeve, and a plurality of biasing springs connected between said tunnel wall engaging member and said movable member for urging said tunnel wall engaging member into uniform seating engagement on said movable member.
 7. A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine, comprising a tunnel-driving machine carrier sleeve adapted to be positioned around a centrally arranged tunnel-driving machine shaft, a plurality of tunnel wall support assemblies extending substantially radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at circumferentially spaced locations therearound, each said support assembly including a fixed member and a movable member displaceable outwardly and inwardly in respect to said fixed member to engage and disengage the tunnel wall, a tunnel wall engaging member having an outer surface adapted to bear against the tunnel wall and being universally pivotally supported on said movable member, power drive means connected to said movable member for shifting said movable member inwardly and outwardly in respect to said fixed member, at least four equally spaced supporting assemblies extending radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve at equally spaced circumferential locations, said power drive means comprising a plurality of individually operable piston and cylinder units connected between said movable member of said machine carrier sleeve, and a plurality of biasing springs connected between said tunnel wall engaging member and said movable member for urging said tunnel wall engaging member into uniform seating engagement on said movable member, said tunnel wall engaging member comprising a plate having an inner surface with a ball-shaped member thereon, said movable member having a ball socket in which said ball-shaped portion of said plate is pivotally engaged.
 8. A device for bracing a tunnel-driving machine, comprising a tunnel-driving machine carrier sleeve adapted to be positioned around a centrally arranged tunnel-driving machine shaft, at least one tunnel support assembly extending substantially radially outwardly from said carrier sleeve and comprising a supporting bolt rigidly connected to said machine carrier sleeve, a pressure sleeve mounted around said bolt and being displaceable inwardly and outwardly in respect to said bolt, said pressure sleeve having an outer face with a concave receiving surface, a tunnel wall engaging member having an outer surface adapted to bear against the tunnel wall and having an inner surface with a convex engagement face universally pivotally supported on said convex receiving surface of said movable member, the pivotal axis of said engaging member being located outwardly of said member on said tunnel wall, and power drive means connected to said pressure sleeve for shifting said pressure sleeve inwardly and outwardly in respect to said bolt. 